Welcome to this edition of the Thermal Circle, in this edition is the Graupner MC 20 and MC 32 reviews as well as two new models that are excellent competition soaring models the Explorer 2 and the Vladmirs Model Maxa as designed by soaring champion Joe Wurts, all in this edition of the Thermal Circle.

MC 20

The Graupner MC 20 is a new high quality tray radio manafactured in Germany by Graupner. The radio has twelve proportional channels and also has a switchable backlit screen that makes for excellent visibility in workshops. The MC 20 is a dual screen unit a new “first” by Graupner the providing of two screens to display data on the radio. The MC 20 can also be hardware updated with stick switches and other hardware such as larger/smaller switches, more switches and other expansion parts including Telemetry. The switches controls and functions are assignable and adjustable so you can get really complicated models set up properly for all different types of RC flying and all phases of flight.

This radio can be firmware updated, new programming and additional features can be added to this radio by software updates allowing the radio to evolve with the user. These firmware updates are done with an SD card from a laptop. The receivers using the HOTT system can also be updated with an SD card allowing new firmware to be added to receivers as the software evolves.

The MC 20 features Telemetry allowing real time data from the model to be displayed on the radio and has a Vario function allowing the use of Varios in scale models for example. This is a new Graupner feature and very useful and excellent addition to the radio functions and also allows for the battery pack voltage in the model to be displayed on the radio in flight. Telemetry is definitely an excellent feature provided by this radio. Helicopter functions are also provided in the MC 20 software all features required for setting up Helicopters is in the programming of the radio with all flight modes for 3D and other programming in the MC 20.

The Graupner MC 20 has memory for up to 24 models. Model memories can be copied, allowing the "backup" of model programs when changing setting's, you can keep a copy of the original program, and if an error is made you can change back to the original program. This radio has built in stopwatches and timers, these are highly useful for competition soaring with alarms providing an audible warning as the time is reached. These timers can count both forwards and backwards allowing you freedom to time flights whilst practicing by simply flicking a switch to activate these built in timer's.

This radio has a flight mode function and this function allows for different model settings to be switched during flight essentially different "phases" of flight, have different settings. For competition soaring this is really the only way to get the settings for launch and for F3B models the settings for the distance, thermal and speed tasks to be activated during flight. Flight modes are probably the best feature on this radio, it allows for complicated models to be set-up properly for all phases of flight.

The Graupner MC 20 is a well designed 12 channel radio, It has features for all types of competition flying and it can be expanded to suit all styles of model flying including Helicopters. This transmitter provides unique features for competition soaring and the width of the radio allows for use by all model pilots whether they fly with a tray or with thumbs. The Graupner line can be purchased from all hobby stores that deal with Model Flight/ OMP and I would like to thank Model Flight and OMP for allowing this review in the Thermal Circle.

MC 32

The Graupner MC 32 is an all new tray radio brought to Australia by O’reilly Model Products / Model Flight, this radio features an all new design and the radio is a 16 channel system with all channels having equal performance. The MC 32 is a dual screen system a unique first for Graupner by providing two screens for the display of data and telemetry on the radio. The MC 32 utilizes fully integrated 2.4 Ghz technology and uses the unique Graupner HOTT system of 2.4 ghz frequency hopping transmission technology.

This radio can be firmware updated, new programming and additional features can be added to this radio by software updates allowing the radio to evolve with the user. These firmware updates are done with an SD card from a laptop. The receivers using the HOTT system can also be updated with an SD card allowing new firmware to be added to receivers as the software evolves.

The MC32 has control adjust functions for winged and helicopter models including dual rates and exponential and control adjust function for helicopters including idle setting, throttle limit function and a stick mode menu in the programming.

This radio features sophisticated programming for three model types and the flight modes can be named allowing a more accurate description of the flight mode purpose when used. The radio also has an inbuilt eighty model memory that can be expanded infinitely with SD cards and the radio can also be software updated.

The use of flight modes in this radio is the best feature of this RC system it allows complicated models to be set up properly for all phases of flight. You can adjust trim, rates and mixers by the flick of a switch and even name the phase on the radio when switched. These flight modes are more useful to optimize sailplanes during flight. The radio also offers an SD card setup allowing the saving, and expanding of model memories and also a software update capability.

In helicopter mode the radio has all swash plate types making it compatible with all types of CCPM control. The MC 32 provides switch assignment for channels and functions, and full custom naming of the flight modes and you can program the servos speed in this unit and it features triple rate allowing three different exponential and flight mode settings on all main helicopter controls.

In sailplane mode this radio is optimized for multi function sailplane set ups offering a very high level of versatility and sophistication. The radio features switch assignment for channels and functions, fully programmable flight modes with name assignment for the mode. It has dual control functions for elevator, rudder, flap and spoilers and also has V-tail mixing. The system also has a fully programmable motor function for electric assist sailplanes and has camber programming for each flight phase. The MC 32 also allows for the use of telemetry in the sailplane mode the dual screen allows for the use of Varios and voltage displays when flying sailplanes.

Telemetry is provided for in the MC 32 with dual screen system to provide telemetry to the radio. Different options are available including RPM, receiver battery voltage and a Vario functions for saliplanes. The unique dual screen system allows for excellent displays of the Telemetry function when in use and is an excellent addition to the MC 32 tray radio. Telemetry is definitely a highly usable and advanced feature and necessary for modern radios if they wish to compete with other RC companies and the Graupner telemetry function is a fine addition to this radio.

In airplane mode the radio has flight modes, all switches and levers are assignable, and triple rates are provided for the elevator, aileron and rudder that can be combined with the flight mode programming. All flight modes can be custom named allowing a suitable name to be displayed on the screen when using flight modes in your power model setup. If you wanted to change to the proven Graupner HOTT system of control then this radio will be useful for a long time and with an affordable cost and 16 channels and telemetry this radio will be an awesome addition to any aeromodellers choice of radio system. It must be stated that this radio is provided in Australia as 2.4 Ghz only, the radio is hardwired it does not have modules, you must use 2.4Ghz. The MC 32 is available to all stores that stock OMP/ Model Flight products and I would like to thank Mike O’reilly for allowing this review to be published in this Thermal Circle.

New competition sailplanes available in Australia!! Available from Airstrike Australia!!!

Explorer 2

If you want the best F3J model the Explorer 2 is the right model for you!!!. It has a Wing Span of 3800mm a Fuselage Length of 1630mm and a Wing Area of 81.5 dm. The Airfoil is the NAN-F3J and the model has a Tail Area of 8.8dm Flying Weight of the model is from 1950g. This is the latest update of the Nan Models Explorer and with a very light weight is a fine addition to the Nan Models range of High Performance sailplanes and competition models, this model is available now and in the country from Airstrike/ Hyperion Australia.

Maxa 3.5

Maxa is a combination of ultra-modern aerodynamic design by Joe Wurts and optimal structure from Vladimir’s Model. The design satisfied four main goals. The soaring duration was increased by new aerodynamic solutions from Joe Wurts and reduced weight of the new structure from Vladimir’s Model. The landing accuracy is improved by reducing the plane inertia, increasing the efficiency of the control surfaces at very low landing speeds, and the shape of the pod, which stops the plane as soon as the nose touches the ground. High speed dynamic launches are greatly improved due to low drag of the wing and other part of the plane as well as by the increased stiffness, which is especially important at high speeds of the launch. Penetration, the ability of the glider to return from distant thermals without losing much altitude, is improved by the exceptional aerodynamic properties of the new model. Maxa 3.5 is the universal soaring leader for any weather. This glider takes advantage of even the weakest morning thermals, thanks to its light weight. High structural stiffness and novel aerodynamics allow ???? 3.5 to easily climb and return from distant thermals even in the windy weather. Efficient wing mechanization permits accurate control of the flight speed not only on landing, but also during the search for thermals. Increased area of the light horizontal stabilizer improves the control and guarantees “bull eye” landings.

Maxa 4 EL Long Tail

Maxa EL 4m Long is the newest version with wingspan 3.925m.The main advantage of long booms is to improve longitudinal stability of the model. Hypersensitivity to flows, improved handling model, especially on small landing speeds this also make more accurate landing, will allow you to fully realize themselves, and enjoy the flight. The use of our proprietary, made in-house, high strength Spread Tow carbon laminates resulted in a glider with world lowest wing loading. Wide selection of colors allows you to customize your model to reflect your unique style. You can select the version, which best fits your needs. The ability to make a more accurate landing, will allow you to fully realize themselves, and enjoy the flight. The use of our proprietary, made in-house, high strength Spread Tow carbon laminates resulted in a glider with world lowest wing loading.Wide selection of colors allows you to customize your model to reflect your unique style. You can select the version!!!

That’s it for this edition of the Thermal Circle, I hope you enjoyed this edition!!!Happy, Safe and successful soaring!!!!

Hayden Daley January 2013